We finally got handheld computers that could go beyond batch processing wwith wireless capability. Then came multiple versions of that wireless technology, the thing called it 802.11 specification. Today, we would like to introduce the Mobile Computers that can still utilize 802.11 wireless, but can extend wireless to any place that has cell phone data service. Only a few of the capable handheld computers are mentioned, that might be used for field service, route accounting, and generally for anyone needed to update and pull data from a server.

Windows Mobile 6 is available on the Datalogic Memor.1 OS, and can utilize most cell phone technologies to access a server. This particular unit as most can use BlueTooth (as all units mentioned here) to access any components it doesn't have. The most unique thing about the Datalogic Memor is its ergonomic case. It is about the size of the old Nokia phones, with touch screen, keys, and many other options. The only limitation might also be the size of the screen and limited keyset, the pluses being cost and ergonomics. The Pegaso is Datalogic's best route unit, but the new enhancements to the Memor put it at the top of the list in features and price.

The next unit that has everything is the Motorola/Symbol MC75, mobile computer. A few of the freatures available are Color Camera, Windows Mobile, Wireless, and GPS built in. It also has a large screen and full keyboard with individual alpha numeric keys. These units are used in manufacturing and are tough enough, but are mainly used by Mobile computing users for outside. This unit comes with all the capabilities for cell phone service and extended batteries. The major limitation might be cost, it is loaded but pricey.

The newest unit on the market is the Honeywell Dolphin 9700. Some of the equipment can be full alpha numeric keypad, GPS, large screen, color camera, and again full cell phone capability. This unit appears to be equal to the task as the MC75, but may be a little lower priced.

The CN3 from Intermec, and some other manufacturers also have a version of the road warrior or route accounting units. Intermec's CN3 has all the capabilities of the others mobile devices, including large screen, color camera, full alpha numeric keypad, extended battery, and cell phone connectivity. This again is a unit much like the MC75 and Dolphin 9700.

We have covered a review of four Mobile Computer units that can revolutionize route sales, service representatives, and portable receipts. These units are ready to be used with many of the portable receipt printers (RW420, EXTECH, O'NEIL), and can be used on permanent portable label printers like the Zebra P4T. Anything that is necessary today for sales or inventory can be done on these Mobile devices equipped with Cell Phone cards and data. Turn by turn GPS navigation is also available on most, and you can carry them on your belt.

When developing a business-oriented strategy to leverage mobile computing, you may find there's no off-the-shelf commercial software that meets your organization's needs. This may have several causes:

- You have a unique business or process that simply needs a custom solution - You use existing custom software that requires a mobile counterpart - The software you need is not available from commercial software companies - Your existing commercial software has no ability to provide mobile integration

If you're in any of these situations, your path to enterprise mobility is quite a bit more difficult. This doesn't mean enterprise mobility won't be worth it. Even if there are existing wireless applications for your backend systems (say Salesforce.com, Microsoft CRM, SAP, or Oracle), those off-the-shelf versions might not meet your exact needs. Before looking at what it takes to get a custom project off the ground, let's consider general trends in enterprise mobile computing.

Wireless Industry trends

First, nobody wants to be the first to try out new technology. They want to implement proven technology. Many companies are looking at their competitors to see what they're doing with mobile computing and how they're doing it. It's gotten so that some companies conduct confidential pilot programs in order to prove technology internally without their competitors knowing about it.

In addition, "mobile" is often improperly considered to be a synonym for "wireless" due to the simple fact that most visible mobile deployments to date have been thin-client or Web-based applications. While this is a legitimate architectural model, it requires prevalent, fast, and reliable connectivity for these wireless applications to function. Many people simply assume that since these types of systems often have issues regarding performance, reliability, and usability, they should wait until pervasive high-speed wireless data networks have arrived before attempting to "go mobile."

While many mobile solutions to date require constant wireless connectivity, there are other architectures that can leverage the amazing computing power of today's Windows Mobile devices. With the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework, Microsoft has provided us with all the tools we need for powerful mobile software development. Leveraging a smart client architecture, the.NET CF can take these handheld devices much further than we've ever taken them before. If you can understand what these mobile units are truly capable of, you will see hundreds of opportunities today for using them in businesses all around you.

Custom development options

The most inexpensive way to build custom software is to create it yourself with a product from companies like Syware or Formotus. While this can often be an extremely cost-effective strategy, it's not for everyone and not appropriate for all environments. Some people may feel overwhelmed with the task of "programming." You can develop simple data-driven applications very easily and rapidly, but keep in mind that along with the simplicity comes a lack of programmatic functionality. You won't get the same power and capabilities that come when using a more powerful development environment. Consider very carefully whether this approach will meet your needs.

If you are a part of a larger company that has software developers on staff, you may be able to field an internal development project to create the system. Be aware, though, that they will probably have to adjust their user interface design practices, usability/reliability standards, and overall architectural assumptions if the project is to be successful. In order to help with the transition to mobile software development, you may want to consider hiring experienced consultants and/or mobile software engineers to evaluate your needs, develop a strategy and system design, and then have your in-house software developers program and maintain the system.

Finally, you can simply outsource the entire project. Some development firms prefer to build software directly from a formal specifications document, while others would rather help the customer evaluate their needs in order to develop requirements and specifications. While some firms specialize in conducting Return on Investment (ROI) analysis, feasibility studies, and usability research, other firms simply want to do what they're best at which is writing great software that is optimized for mobile platforms. You'll find enormous disparity in the cost and quality of work performed, so it pays to do your research and to know exactly what you're looking for.

Mobility as a business strategy

Whatever industry you're in, you're always looking for an edge over your competition. For many companies, mobile computing technology can provide that edge, but most people simply aren't aware of how Windows Mobile devices can enhance their business.

Sometimes you have to understand an application's uses completely, beyond its simple out-of-the-box functionality. Then you can see how it can enable employees to do their jobs better, faster, and more efficiently. From salesmen to engineers to waitresses to managers, mobile computing technology can revolutionize the business world.

Whether or not you currently use mobile technology, leveraging either commercial or custom software, consider how a strategy that includes mobile technology can brighten your company's bottom line and future success.

Laptop computers also known as notebook computers are generally smaller in size and are powered by battery or AC-powered personal computers. Because of their size they can be transported easily and conveniently. A user can use laptop computers in any place they like - on planes, meetings, temporary offices, libraries etc.

Laptop computers typically weigh less than 5 pounds and are 3 inches or less in thickness. These computers are costly than their counterparts, desktop computers, because of their complex design and structure. These laptop or notebook computers often come with displays and use thin technology. They can easily be turned into a desktop computer along with a docking station. Their withered film transistors or lively matrix screen is brighter and display better at different angles than the STN or dual-scan screen.

Notebook computers can be easily connected to a number of different peripherals by way of a single plug; all this could be done through their less capable port replicator. Different approaches are being used in laptop computers for assimilating a mouse into a keyboard, including their touch pad, trackball and the pointing stick. There is also a place or serial port within the laptop in which a regular mouse can be attached. Through its PC Card a modem or network interface card laptops can easily connect effortlessly to the internet, most standard notebooks contain a DVD Rom or CD Rom built-in.

One of the advantages of using laptop computers over desktop computers is that they are not only portable but also use less power and make less noise than desktop computers, they also produce less heat. But in some cases they are a bit slower and contain less graphics and sound processing power. However, because of their usefulness these things are hardly noticed. As an alternative to a spacious case which contains lots of room for air circulation, laptops utilize a small and flat design in which all the pieces fit jointly - cozily.

As far as battery life of a notebook is concerned, with the coming up of Intel's Centrino technology now battery life of Windows-powered laptops lasts up to five hours on a single charge. The latest laptop computers are also coming up with 'media-bays' which helps to replace your optical drive with a second battery in an effort to extend battery life.

The mainstream of Laptop Computers are bundled with a 56K modem and a 10/100 Ethernet port for cable/DSL connectivity as benchmark. All Centrino-based laptops attribute 802.11b/g modules for wireless networking, but Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is not a criterion on all machines, look carefully at models that support these technologies if you plan to use them.

Netbooks or what are also known as mini-notebooks are the latest ventures in the personal computers arena. Netbooks are attracting attention all over the world because of their miniature attractive size and small price tag. Because of their cheap price tag, people who can't afford typical laptops can now look forward to purchasing netbooks instead. But there are several things which you will have to take into consideration before buying a netbooks. If you love speed, don't go for it, as netbooks are slower.

These mini-notebooks require sufficient performance of the processor in an effort to carry out basic computing tasks like email, spreadsheet, word processing, web browsing and photo editing. Most of the netbooks, however, use Intel Atom processors while the other use processers from VIA.

Owing to their cheap price tag you can't expect mini-notebooks to offer the same plethora of features as compared to laptops. For example, there is no support for optical disk drives like DVDs or CDs and they depend on software which is being supplied over a network or from USB devices. The main purpose of introducing mini-notebooks was to be used along with wireless networks for quick surfing web and sending and receiving emails etc.

Netbooks do not contain any important hard drives and use flash and solid state drives. This results in images, documents and other material having to be stored online which could be retrieved later through the internet. More modern netbooks now have micro drives integrated ranging up to 300GB.

In an effort to make netbooks affordable, manufactures are using smaller screens. The first netbook introduced had a 7 inch screen. But these days' netbooks support up to 11 and 12 inch screens. Companies are still looking to increase their size further during the coming months. Owing to their smaller size the netbooks are lighter in weight, but contain a very small size keyboard which can be uncomfortable if using the keyboard for long periods of time. Most netbooks use Windows XP or Vista 32bit as the hardware performance has yet to give the min-laptops the ability to run 64bit systems. It is hoped that Windows 7 would contain a lighter version made exclusively for min-laptops. However, users can opt for Linux OS also for their min-laptops.

Pricing for Netbooks, Mini Notebooks [http://www.comnauts.com/collections/netbooks-mini-notebooks] range depending on the internal hardware and manufacturers brand, one key thing to mention is the netbook is designed for casual and mobile use and acts much like a highly advanced cell phone. Most netbooks come ready with advanced microphones and camera interfaces built in.

For less than three hundred dollars, you can now get a ten inch Acer computer, one with a sizable hard drive and a very workable screen size and keyboard size, that will easily fit in a large purse and is light and portable enough to take with you basically everywhere.

If you are a person that works largely from your computer, and especially if you take your computer back and forth between your home and your office, lightness and portablity can be key factors in your laptop decision. I know that I, personally, have suffered many a headache from lugging my seventeen inch laptop around from home to the office where I do SEO work, and back again, when that was my primary laptop. Thank God those days are over! I wouldn't go back there for the world.

Now that I have the Acer ten inch laptop, I simply zip it into its padded cover and slip it into my purse. If I'm planning to use it for a long time while I'm out, I will bring the bag that I have which contains the power cord and my wireless mouse, as well. Those don't take up very much room, either. Everything together is so light that I barely even notice the difference in weight in my purse!

Another thing I love about the Acer ten inch computer is that it doesn't run on Windows Vista, it runs on Windows XP. Because in my line of work as a freelance niche marketer and search engine optimization consultant, I use a lot of custom software, it's great to have a laptop that will easily run pretty much any custom software I want to install, smoothly and easily.

It's a quiet little revolution that's stretching across the globe: 4G and WiMAX are spreading like wildfire. Why are people infatuated with this new wireless Internet technology? What's to love?

It turns out that the fans aren't restricted to one particular group. Avid gamers, multitasking moms, swamped students, and Google-searching grandpas are all proclaiming their undying love for this fourth generation of mobile Internet service. They're all hoping 4G is 4Ever, because now that they can work and play anywhere without a slow connection, they're hooked. There's no going back.

WiMAX is the technology that makes this fourth generation possible. Using a giant cloud of harmless microwaves between towers, this new service is deployed relatively quickly in cities. It's already offered in most major metro areas in the U.S., with more cities added on a monthly basis. And it's not restricted to America: more than 150 countries have WiMAX in place. Its popularity stems from its use of towers and clouds rather than wires or small Wi-Fi hotspots. Because it's up to five times faster than 3G and isn't a wire-based service, users are able to use their laptops while in motion.

It's like the difference between a remote-control toy car and a wired car - one is much more fun than the other. 4G versus DSL is like freedom versus limitation. Gamers can play online at the same speed as they could through DSL. Parents can keep the kids busy on the laptop while driving around town, while grandma and grandpa can go over their retirement portfolio at their favorite restaurant. There's no Wi-Fi hotspot needed. Your city is your hotspot; your favorite restaurant is your hotspot; your local swimming pool is your hotspot. Students can video chat with parents while riding the bus. The potential uses are limited by your imagination.

Some people admittedly sign up to for the service simply because they like cutting edge technology. This technology is simply better and faster than 3G. The only initial reservation that some people have expressed is the fact that you must be in a 4G zone in order to have coverage. This is partially correct. You can only use 4G in cities that offer the service, and not all cities are yet covered. However, more cities are added all the time. 3G wasn't offered everywhere at first. It takes time. If you're extremely concerned about having coverage outside the city, you can opt for the 3G/4G dual-mode card that allows you to hook into the 3G network. Granted, you won't have 4G speeds, but you'll at least be able to have some service.

Users that are particularly fanatical about this new Internet technology are the ones who multitask endlessly. They are what you'd call Type A personalities. They can't stay seated and they have to be busy with something all the time. They're driven and ambitious. With DSL or cable technology, the broadband speed is there, but the mobility is not. 4G, however, allows our Type A friends to cut the cord and take care of business on the road. They can watch live sports while sitting in a waiting room or buy stocks on the train. Take their 4G away from them, and you'll have a mutiny on your hands.